I might be able to trade in my 03 Sierra 2500HD for a 2001 Silverado 2500HD with the diesel. I've always dreamed of owning a duramax, but need some answers. I haven't driven the truck yet, and it is a step down from mine (LS trim, compared to my SLT; 170,000 miles vs. my 104,000), but I might do an even trade if they slap a plow on the Chevy. Any owners of an early model duramax? Any issues, or reservations? What are the strengths, versus my 6.0L gas V8? It's got the same Allison 5-speed auto as my truck, but I don't want to get a diesel that still has some growing pains...

I built the duramax for 5.5 years..the early generation duramax had issues with the fuel injectors due to the design of the head.(they injectors are inside the head not visible) GM did even extend the warranty to 5 year 100k miles on them. The second generation motor is the really one of the best motors made. Each generation they added more and more emissions which robbed the motor. I hope this helps

The first gen first year (01) had NO emmisions BS - no CAT, no EGR, NOTHING. A vent tube to the air and a 3.5" exhaust to a muffler. The head design is a maint issue, if the injectors go bad (dirty or wear out) you are looking at $5000 MINIMUM to repair the average number I have read is $7000+. Mine never gave me problems as I filtered the fuel before use and always used an additive.

The later ones (03+) have the injectors that can be reached without pulling the heads. But they added a CAT & EGR - probably not a problem now that they have gone to ULSD.

Newest (YUCK) have all the above and more - a DPF and UREA tank. No thank you, see my sig.

Also the trucks kept the same amount of oil 10+qts but the interval went down due to all the treatments. I was doing 15K miles and one year changes on my 01 with oil analysis and it could have been left another 6 months.

MPG - the newer ones made more HP & torque but you lost MPG - my 01 was 300/520 and got 21MPG on the hwy un loaded.

Never did trade it in, but as a small business owner (property maintenance) I will be buying more and more trucks in the future. Definitely will stick with GM- 3\4 tons and 1 tons, and I'll probably venture into their medium duty trucks, as well.